New Jersey Mayor and U.S. Senate Candidate Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis
Newark, New Jersey Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Cory Booker announced today his plans to drastically reform our nation’s criminal justice system.
Part of this plan, among many other suggested reforms, includes the full decriminalization of cannabis.
“One of the biggest wastes of taxpayer dollars in our society today can be found in a criminal justice system in serious need in reform,” Booker said in a statement released today. He continues; “The issue of mass incarceration implicates the safety of our communities, billions of taxpayer dollars, and the health and cohesion of our families. Our next steps will determine whether our criminal justice system remains a vehicle for rigid punishment and waste, or becomes a springboard for rehabilitation, opportunity, and hope.”
Outside of the decriminalization of cannabis, here’s a few other reforms Booker would attempt to bring forth, if he wins his race:
- An elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for low-level drug offenders.
- Removing the sentence disparity between crack cocaine and powdered cocaine.
- In one that we’re particularly fond of; working to eliminate private prisons.
- Approve the Voter Empowerment Act of 2013, which would restore voting rights to those formerly incarcerated on drug crimes.
Booker currently leads in his Senate race by a double-digit margin; 54% to 38%.
– TheJointBlog